Former Sunderland trialist Charles N’Zogbia is set to sign for Nantes, according to sources in France.

The 30-year-old is a free agent following his release by Aston Villa at the end of last season.

He was invited by Sam Allardyce to train with the Black Cats during pre-season, and initially remained with the club when the new England boss was succeeded by David Moyes.

N’Zogbia played in warm-up friendlies at Hartlepool United, where he captained the side during the second half, and Rotherham United, when he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory.

He was also involved during Sunderland’s three-game training stint in France.

But the former Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic midfielder was left out of the Wearsiders’ final pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund in Austria, and was subsequently informed he would not be offered a permanent contract.

And French sports daily L’Equipe now claims he has agreed personal terms with Ligue One side Nantes, with a deal - thought to be for one year - expected to be completed over the next 24 hours.

N’Zogbia started his career at Le Havre before a controversial and protracted move to Newcastle, who eventually paid £250,000 by way of youth development compensation, in September 2004.

The last player to sign for United under Sir Bobby Robson, he was later dubbed Charles ‘Insomnia’ by then-Magpies manager Joe Kinnear.